Organizer Information
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a public university in Warrensburg, Missouri, United States. Its College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences includes the School of Visual and Performing Arts and the Division of Art and Design, which offers undergraduate programs in studio art, graphic design, interior design, and art education. UCM also offers programs in other academic and professional disciplines. International applicants can apply for undergraduate and graduate study, subject to the relevant admission requirements.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Central Missouri
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study across the university
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BSE, BS, MA, MFA and other degrees, depending on the program
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Art Education, Photography, Illustration, Media, and other disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Graphic Design, BFA; Interior Design, BFA; Studio Art, BFA; Art Education, BSE; Digital Media Production, BS
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Applications are accepted for designated entry terms; deadlines depend on applicant category and semester.
- Application Deadline: See the international admissions deadlines below.
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring, and summer entry options, subject to program availability
- Application Fee: US$75 for international applicants
- Tuition: US$621.80 per credit hour for nonresident undergraduates; US$645 per credit hour for nonresident graduate students, for fall 2026–summer 2027
- Funding: University scholarships and program-specific art and design scholarships are offered to eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UCM's Division of Art and Design offers undergraduate study in the following areas:
- Studio Art, BFA: Sculpture, Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking, Illustration, and Photography.
- Graphic Design, BFA: Visual communication, publication design, typography, interactive design, and motion design.
- Interior Design, BFA: Interior environments, design research, and professional design practice.
- Art Education, BSE: Preparation for teaching art in grades K–12.
- Art and Art History minors: Available as additional areas of study.
Digital Media Production, BS, is another relevant option for applicants interested in media production. Admission to each program depends on its individual academic requirements.
General Eligibility
- UCM accepts international applicants for undergraduate and graduate study. Admission is determined by the university's requirements and, where applicable, the relevant academic department.
- Applicants must satisfy the academic, documentation, and English-language requirements for their intended study level. International applicants must also provide financial documentation for immigration processing and a copy of their passport.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate programs: Applicants must meet UCM's undergraduate admission requirements and submit the required secondary-school academic records.
- Graduate programs: Applicants to master's degrees must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution recognized by UCM. Applicants to Education Specialist programs must hold a master's degree.
- Graduate GPA: Applicants with graduate coursework must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 for admission to a graduate program.
- Program-specific requirements: Individual graduate departments may impose additional prerequisites, GPA thresholds, or supporting-document requirements.
Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an official waiver. UCM publishes the following minimum scores for its general international admissions process.
| English test | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | 79 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 | 120 |
| Oxford ELLT | 6 | 7 |
UCM also accepts specified Cambridge qualifications and other approved methods. Waivers may apply to applicants meeting listed educational or country-based criteria. Check the official requirements for the intended program before applying.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate | US$75 |
| International graduate | US$75 |
Tuition
| Study level/course category | Nonresident tuition per credit hour |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | US$621.80 |
| Graduate | US$645.00 |
| Online/hybrid undergraduate | US$310.90 |
| Online/hybrid graduate | US$450.00 |
- The university's published rates distinguish resident, nonresident, online/hybrid, and certain specialized graduate courses. The online/hybrid rates should not be assumed to apply to every program or every international student.
- Tuition rates exclude mandatory, technology, testing, program, and course fees. Additional course or program charges may apply. The exact total depends on the student's enrollment and course selection; consult the official Tuition & Costs page for the current rate schedule and applicable charges.
Funding & Financial Support
UCM offers scholarships for incoming and current Art and Design students.
- Art and Design scholarships: Available to eligible incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current students.
- Eligibility: Art and Design scholarships require full-time enrollment.
- Portfolio: Incoming freshman and transfer scholarship applications include a digital portfolio.
- Annual deadline: 1 February.
Scholarships are competitive and are not guaranteed. Applicants should review the Division of Art and Design page for eligibility and application details.
University Services & Academic Support
UCM provides academic support relevant to students in art and design:
- Faculty mentoring and advising: Art and Design students can work with faculty artists and educators and receive individual academic and career guidance.
- Studios and computer labs: Facilities support practical work in studio art, illustration, and design. Access arrangements may depend on the program and facility.
- Exhibition and community projects: Art Education students can gain experience through Gallery Kids, a community outreach program held twice per semester.
- Internships and professional connections: The School of Visual and Performing Arts identifies internships and professional networking as components of its career-focused education.
- International student support: International Student Services assists applicants with admissions documentation and international student procedures.
Application Requirements
International applicants must submit the materials applicable to their student category and intended program.
International undergraduate applicants:
- Completed international application.
- Academic transcripts from secondary and postsecondary institutions attended, as applicable.
- English translations of academic records where required.
- Proof of English proficiency or an approved waiver.
- Passport photocopy.
- Financial support documentation, including a bank statement demonstrating adequate funds.
International graduate applicants:
- Completed graduate application.
- Bachelor's degree documentation and academic transcripts.
- English proficiency evidence or an approved waiver.
- Passport photocopy and financial documentation.
- Additional program-specific materials, where required.
Applicants must check the individual program requirements for any additional statements, recommendations, tests, portfolios, or other materials. A portfolio is specifically required for incoming freshman and transfer applicants seeking the Art and Design scholarships described above; this does not establish a portfolio requirement for general admission to every Art and Design degree.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- Graduate Application Portal
- International Admissions
Deadline & Timeline
UCM publishes international application deadlines by entry term and applicant location. The dates below apply to international applicants applying from outside the United States.
Fall entry — August start
- Application Submission and Document Deadline: 1 July 2027
- Proof of Financial Support: 15 July 2027
Spring entry — January start
- Application Submission and Document Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Proof of Financial Support: 15 November 2026
Summer entry — May start
- Application Submission and Document Deadline: 1 April 2027
- Proof of Financial Support: 15 April 2027
These dates follow UCM's published annual deadline schedule; applicants transferring from within the United States have different deadlines. Summer entry is restricted to designated programs, so confirm that the intended degree accepts summer applicants.
Location
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, Missouri, United States
Additional Details
- International admissions are program-dependent: Meeting the university's general requirements does not guarantee acceptance into a particular degree. Academic departments may make additional admission decisions.
- Summer entry restrictions: UCM lists specific programs eligible for summer admission; not every Art and Design degree should be assumed to accept summer entrants.
- Art and Design scholarships have a separate process: Applicants seeking these awards must meet the relevant scholarship eligibility requirements and submit the required digital portfolio.
- Budget planning: Tuition is only one component of the total cost. International applicants should account for applicable university fees, living expenses, and any required health insurance when preparing financial documentation.